Tag: MPR News

MPR News: Wanted: Workers to fill Rochester’s growing labor shortage

The high school kids in Aaron Davis’ construction tech class are busy helping build a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house that’s likely to be snapped up quickly in the Rochester area’s fast moving real estate market.

The same can also be said for Davis’ students. Market forces can’t wait for them to graduate. A recent state survey found nearly 500 construction positions available in southeastern Minnesota with some 8,000 total jobs open in a region with a minuscule 2.4 percent unemployment rate.

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MPR News: City of Rochester buys historic theater with help from Mayo

20150316_chateau-theater_33The city of Rochester has closed on the $6 million purchase of the historic Chateau Theatre.

The theater purchase is considered a Destination Medical Center project, which allows the expense to count toward the city’s $128 million contribution for public infrastructure costs. The Mayo Clinic paid $500,000 of the deal.

Rochester City Council President Randy Staver said it’s still unclear what the building’s long-term use and financial model will be.